Karnataka Bandh 2026: 12-hour shutdown begins amid Cauvery water dispute

Many people in the place called Karnataka stopped their daily activities for one day to show that they care about water.

Water is very important for drinking, farming, and living.

There is a big disagreement about the river called Cauvery and how much water it should give to different areas.

Groups that love Karnataka and the Kannada language organised this special protest day, called a bandh.

They want the leaders to take stronger action to solve the water problem.

They also want important water projects like Mekedatu, Mahadayi, and Kalasa-Banduri to be built.

Because of the bandh, many schools, shops, and offices may stay closed.

The shutdown will last for 12 hours, until 6 o'clock in the evening.

The government has not yet said if schools are officially closed.

So students and parents are waiting to hear whether they have to go to school today.